Meet Robiee Ziegler

We recently connected with Robiee Ziegler and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Robiee with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to know exactly what I wanted to do from as far back as I can remember. Photography wasn’t just a hobby or something I stumbled into. It was always the thing. And I had the kind of parents who actually listened when I said, “This is what I want to do.” Instead of telling me to find something more practical, they gave me the tools to get started. They encouraged me to master the basics and once I did, they pushed me to level up.

I took my first photography classes in high school and quickly realized that wasn’t enough. I wanted more. So I took summer school just so I could squeeze in advanced photo classes. My teachers made it so much fun and I learned about colleges where I could take this even further. That led me to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where I powered straight through my coursework because I was determined to jump right into the field. What I loved most about that school was that the teachers were all working photographers. Professionals who had already built the kind of careers I aspired to. Seeing their success made me hungry to achieve my own.

After school I worked at an agency where I honed my skills in lighting, retouching, and production. It felt like an extension of my education except this time I was getting paid to learn. That agency became a kind of family to me and I stayed until I knew it was time to take the leap into freelancing.

You could say my work ethic was built through a mix of community and education but really, it comes from a love of learning. Photography is constantly evolving and I’m addicted to growing with it. Bettering my craft, pushing my creative limits, and making sure every project I take on is better than the last.

I chose commercial photography because I saw the reward in working with bigger clients. The brands I once considered dream collaborations are now in my portfolio. I made a game out of it. How can I push myself to the next level? How do I keep unlocking new career milestones? Raising my rates wasn’t just about making more money. It was proof that people saw value in my work, that my experience and vision were worth investing in. And seeing clients come back again and again? That’s the real win.

Of course mix all of this ambition with a little anxiety and you’ve got the formula for how I hustle. I’ve worked with people who showed me exactly the kind of professional I wanted to be and just as importantly, people who showed me who I never wanted to be.

At the end of the day, art is supposed to be fun. Every shoot, every campaign, every collaboration. I want it to feel exciting for everyone involved. Because if my clients are having a great time and getting work that helps their business thrive, that means I’ve done my job. And if that’s happening, then I know we’re onto the next big thing. Bringing more great ideas to life and working with incredible teams to make it happen.

And that? That’s exactly what gets me up every day.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a commercial & lifestyle photography I tell stories through imagery, whether it’s for a brand, a venue, or an artist on stage. Photography isn’t just about capturing a moment. It’s about creating a feeling, an experience, and a connection between the subject and the viewer. That’s what I do. And I make sure that every project I take on has that energy.

My work is rooted in commercial and lifestyle photography. I’ve had the privilege of working with brands like Disney, Target, Jack Daniels, and DoorDash, as well as some of the best restaurants, bars, and hotels in the country. I love bringing a brand’s vision to life in a way that feels authentic, vivid, relatable, dynamic, and full of life. Whether it’s a portrait that makes you want to know more, a cocktail that makes you wish you were poolside, a hotel that feels like an escape, or a product that becomes part of someone’s daily ritual, my goal is to make every shot tell a story people want to be part of.

What’s most exciting about my work is that no two shoots are the same. Every project is a new challenge, a new way to create, and a new opportunity to work with incredible people. I don’t just take photos. I create an experience. I want my clients to have fun, feel inspired, and walk away with images that elevate their brand and tell their story in a way that sticks.

What’s New?
I’m always working on new things, but right now, I have a few exciting projects in motion:

Making Waves Project – My social platform and creative agency that helps brands tell real-life stories that give back. We partner with companies that want to do more than just sell. They want to make an impact through storytelling. And we help bring that to life.

Expanding My Creative Community – I’m constantly looking to connect with new brands, subjects, and creatives who are passionate about what they do. Whether it’s a new brand that needs new content or an artist who wants to capture their tour, I want to collaborate with people who bring energy and vision to the table.

Bringing My ‘66 Mustang, Cherry, Back to Life – I have a white ‘66 Mustang that I’m in the process of fixing up, partly for the occasional photoshoot rental but mostly to drive around and live my best California life in style. There’s something about classic cars that just feels cinematic, and I can already see the shoots, the stories, and the memories that will come from it.

Photography is my way of capturing the world, and I want my work to make people feel something….whether it’s excitement, nostalgia, curiosity, or just the urge to step into the scene. If you’re looking for photography that’s more than just a picture, but an experience, let’s make something happen.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are:

Always do something with a smile :
There’s a lot of talent in this industry, but what sets people apart is their attitude. No matter how tough the project, how long the hours, or how many unexpected challenges pop up, the energy you bring to the table makes all the difference. People remember how you made them feel just as much as the work you delivered. If you’re easy to work with and bring good energy, you’ll always get called back.

Take on new challenges :
Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. Some of the best opportunities in my career came from saying yes before I felt ready. If I had waited until I felt completely prepared, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. The best way to get better at something is to do it. Take the jobs that scare you a little. Push yourself to try something new. That’s where the magic happens.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway”…
This is my favorite quote and something I live by. Fear shows up when something matters. It means you’re stepping into new territory, taking a risk, or leveling up. The trick is not letting it stop you. Every photographer, creative, and entrepreneur has had moments of doubt, but the ones who succeed are the ones who keep moving forward anyway. Confidence isn’t about never being afraid—it’s about knowing you can handle whatever happens next.

Advice for those starting out…
Show up with good energy, be someone people want to work with, and treat every shoot like an opportunity to make real connections.
Say yes to things that push you outside your comfort zone. Growth comes from doing, not waiting.
Fear is normal. Doubt is normal. Push through it. Every successful person you admire has been exactly where you are right now.

If you’re just getting started, remember that every pro was once a beginner. Keep learning, keep creating, keep shooting and don’t be afraid to take up space.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely. I’d love to work with large brands that are looking for new ways to connect with their consumers beyond just their products. The best brands aren’t just selling something…they’re creating an experience, a feeling, a movement. I want to collaborate with brands that understand the power of storytelling and want to create vivid, meaningful content that resonates. Whether it’s through photography, video, or immersive events, I’m always looking for ways to push creative boundaries and make something that leaves a lasting impact.

But beyond clients and campaigns, I’m always looking to connect with people who have stories to share. That’s what inspired Making Waves…a space dedicated to amplifying real stories and real voices. I believe that storytelling has the power to shift perspectives, build community, and create change, and I want to continue exploring that in as many ways as possible.

If you’re a brand looking to create something unique, a creative who wants to collaborate, or someone with a story to share, I’d love to connect. You can reach me through my website, Instagram, or Making Waves, and let’s make something powerful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robieezphotography.com
• Instagram: @robieezee
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robieeziegler/
• Other: Making Waves Project
  www.makingwavesproject.com
  @makingwaves.project